The Disciplinary Commission charged that David J. Puterbaugh engaged in lawyer
misconduct by failing to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a
client, failing to make reasonable efforts to expedite that client's case and engaging in
dishonest, fraudulent, and deceitful conduct in discussing the status of that case with the
client. A hearing officer appointed by this Court to hear this matter concluded, after
reviewing the parties' Stipulations of Fact and Misconduct, that the respondent engaged in
misconduct as charged. This matter is now before this Court for final resolution.

Since neither party has petitioned for review of the hearing officer's report, we accept
the finding and conclusions contained in his report with the understanding that final
determination as to misconduct and sanction rests with this Court. Matter of Gerde, 634
N.E.2d 494 (Ind. 1994). The respondent's admission to the bar of this state on October 9,
1974 confers disciplinary jurisdiction in this matter.
We now find that the respondent was hired in February 1991 to pursue a wrongful
termination action against the client's former employer, the state of Indiana. Shortly
thereafter, the respondent and his client determined a more appropriate cause of action would
be based upon theories of slander and/or defamation of character. On July 11, 1991, the
respondent filed a Notice of Tort Claim against the state of Indiana. On January 13, 1993,
the respondent filed a formal complaint in Wayne Superior Court. The defendants filed their
answer and affirmative defenses on February 3, 1993. The respondent filed no additional
pleadings and thereafter failed to prosecute the case. On August 1, 1994, the trial court
granted the defendants' Motion to Dismiss with prejudice. The respondent did not inform
his client of the dismissal, and, in fact, informed her that the case was still active and that he
was engaging in settlement negotiations. During October of 1995, the respondent told his
client that a monetary settlement had been reached. At about that time, the client examined
her case file in the Wayne County clerk's office and learned of her complaint's August 1,
1994, dismissal. Although no settlement was in fact ever paid by or on behalf of the
defendants, the respondent gave his client $500 telling her that the money was an advance
settlement payment.

By failing to prosecute his client's case after initially filing a complaint, the
respondent violated Ind.Professional Conduct Rules 1.3See footnote
1 and 3.2.See footnote
2 By falsely informing her
that the case was active and settlement negotiations were proceeding and, later, concluded
to his client's benefit, the respondent violated Prof.Cond.R. 8.4(c).See footnote
3
Lawyers' commitment and dedication to the interests of their clients are cornerstones
of effective legal representation. Failing to act diligently on clients' behalves reflects an
unacceptable lack of commitment and dedication and brings the legal system into disrepute.
Concomitant deception of clients as to the status of the actions greatly exacerbates the
misconduct because it prevents clients from taking steps necessary to preserve their legal
rights. The respondent's lack of action resulted in his client losing an avenue of legal
redress. As such, his conduct cannot be tolerated. Accordingly, we find that it warrants a
sixty day suspension.
It is, therefore, ordered that the respondent, David J. Puterbaugh, be suspended from
the practice of law for a period of sixty (60) days, beginning June 8, 1998, at the conclusion
of which he shall be automatically reinstated to the practice of law, provided he pay the costs
of this proceeding and otherwise satisfies the pertinent requirements of Ind.Admission and

Discipline Rule 23.
The clerk of this Court is directed to provide notice of this order in accordance with
Admis.Disc.R. 23(3)(d) and to provide the clerk of the United States Court of Appeals for
the Seventh Circuit, the clerk of each of the Federal District Courts in this state, and the clerk
of the United States Bankruptcy Court in this state with the last known address of respondent
as reflected in the records of the Clerk.

Footnote: 1
Indiana Professional Conduct Rule 1.3 provides that a lawyer shall act with reasonable
diligence and promptness in representing a client.Footnote: 2Professional Conduct Rule 3.2 provides that a lawyer shall make reasonable efforts to
expedite litigation consistent with the interests of the client.Footnote: 3
Professional Conduct Rule 8.4(c)provides that it is professional misconduct for a lawyer
to engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation.